Robert Paul Ritter

RITTER, Robert “Bob” passed away with loving family by his side on November 19, 2023 in Vancouver. He is deeply loved and missed by his wife, Barbara, his children, Paul, Romy, Alison and Michele, their spouses, Heather, Kenan and Scott, his grandson, Kurt, and numerous cherished friends.

It must also be mentioned that Bob’s granddogs, Tupelo and Finn, are wondering where he is, and The Bears miss him dearly.

In 1945 Brooklyn, New York, a Bob was born…our Bob.

While his early years were lived in Brooklyn, he spent the rest of his youth with his parents, Jack and Betty, sister, Rochelle, and faithful dog, Mike, in Miami, Florida. Bob earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Miami – go Hurricanes! – and completed his law degree at the University of Oregon – Go Ducks!

Love and family brought Bob to Canada where he settled in Vancouver with his first wife, Sondra. Their children, Paul and Romy were born and raised here and have fond memories of their dad taking them to team practices, cheering on their hockey and soccer games and leading Paul’s scout troop. He was always there for them.

Over the years, Bob taught his kids the importance of family and passed on to them his sense of humour. He made a point to teach his kids life skills they didn’t always appreciate at the time, like how to mow the lawn and do laundry, how to cook and clean and how to not communicate emotions effectively…except anger. They have that one nailed down. (Bob had a special way of dealing with inanimate objects when they didn’t cooperate that eventually inspired the term “Bobsplode”. There’s a malfunctioning tape dispenser somewhere who still shivers in Bob’s wake.)

Eventually, Bob met his second wife, Barbara, whom he loved to the ends of the earth. He was a devoted husband, an equal partner, and Barb knew unequivocally that he always had her back. Barb cherished the jokester in Bob and the way they could always laugh their way through hard times, even providing entertainment for the Kidney Clinic who cared for Bob during his long illness. Barb even loved the comical stream of commentary, bribes and occasional outright tyranny of Bob’s collection of teddy bears, led by the merciless Jefferson who is famed for extortion.

Bob’s devotion to family only grew as the family expanded. He refused the term “in-law” insisting that if you married one of his kids, you were one of his kids. This is how Kenan got roped into many a home renovation project where he was treated to Bob’s bracing rounds of expletives. Bob was proud of their work together when a project was done. Heather fondly remembers Bob’s help building stairs for her aging pup and was thankful for his encouragement of her woodworking.

Bob’s relationship with his grandson, Kurt, was a treat for the whole family, and Kurt says he cherishes the “subtle” life lessons Grandpa taught him. Like helping him negotiate better terms for candy or allowance. Or teaching Kurt that not every gift-wrapped rattling thing is Lego’s – it might be a can of nails.

For the better part of his career, Bob was an Investment and Financial Advisor. He was proud of the “old school” approach he took toward serving clients and of his pragmatic investment strategies. His business partner and dear friend, Bruce, remembers Bob as a loyal and caring friend who was an honest man of integrity. He had sound business acumen and was generous with his wisdom. His daughter, Alison, was grateful for his encouragement and business advice over the years, even though Bunky the bear was the one who profited. (His advice didn't come cheap!)

Bob loved cooking and trying new foods, and he never met a recipe he didn’t want to tweak. He was obsessed with dim sum and ate it every chance he got. Good thing he was an “Energizer Bunny”! He was always on the move, puttering around the house or working in the garden where he harvested home-grown fruits and vegetables. He loved sports and was an avid, life-long athlete. He played hockey into his senior years, and his passion for playing tennis was woven into his very passion for life. When his knees began to stiffen and ache, Romy and Heather joked that he could barely walk but didn’t let that stand in the way of tearing around the tennis court.

Bob loved life. When he became ill, he fought hard for every month, week and day he could muster. The world won’t soon forget him, because his legacy is easily spotted in the character of his children, in the vibrance of his beloved Barb and in the loyalty of his friends in whom he lives on.

And don’t worry about Mom, we have her back. Bob – Dad – Grandpa - we love you, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts and we hope you’re in a place of honour among the stars

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The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Dr. Chesley, Dr. Dewar, Dr. Newfeld and all the staff at the Kidney Clinic.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to The Kidney Foundation of Canada.